Issue Date on Colorado Driver’s License: What to Do If It’s Missing

A Colorado driver’s license typically includes an issue date, which some financial and legal institutions require. However, recent licenses may not display this date, leading to complications when it is requested.

Use in Financial Verification

Banks, lenders, and credit card companies often ask for a driver’s license issue date to verify identity, especially when opening accounts, applying for loans, or conducting large transactions. This helps prevent fraud and ensures compliance with the Customer Identification Program under the USA PATRIOT Act.

Mortgage lenders may also take the issue date into account when reviewing applications. A recently issued license could raise questions, particularly if other documents suggest a long history at the same address. If the date is missing, lenders may request alternative verification, such as a utility bill or prior license records.

Credit card companies and payment processors sometimes use this information to approve large transactions or account changes. For online purchases, additional verification helps prevent unauthorized access. If an institution cannot confirm identity through standard means, it may delay or deny a transaction.

Role in Tax Filings

Government agencies may request a driver’s license issue date for identity verification during tax filings. The IRS and state tax authorities use multiple methods to confirm taxpayer identities, particularly for electronic filings and refund claims. While a Social Security number is the primary identifier, details from a driver’s license can help prevent fraud.

Colorado’s Department of Revenue may require this information for online tax submissions. Identity theft and fraudulent tax returns have led to stricter verification measures, as criminals often use stolen data to claim refunds. To counter this, tax agencies sometimes ask for license details.

Tax preparation software like TurboTax and H&R Block may prompt users to enter this information during e-filing. While usually optional, providing it can help prevent delays. Some state tax agencies mandate this verification for filers with a history of identity theft concerns or those claiming large refunds.

Alternate Options If the Date Is Missing

If your Colorado driver’s license does not display an issue date, alternative methods can provide this information. One option is to request a driving record from the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which includes issuance details. A certified copy can be obtained online, in person, or by mail for a small fee.

Another option is to check past renewal documentation. If you renewed your license online or by mail, a confirmation email or receipt may include the issue date. If these records are unavailable, reviewing bank statements for renewal fee transactions may help determine when the license was last issued.

For immediate verification, visiting a DMV office in person may be the most efficient solution. DMV staff can provide a printout of your driver history, which includes issuance details. Some third-party services also offer driving record reports, though these may come with additional fees and processing times. If an institution does not accept alternative documents, requesting a letter from the DMV confirming the issuance date may be necessary.